140 year of Shriners

Sunday, July 31, 2011

From the http://masonictravels.com/courage-today-insures-masonry-tomorrow/

Masonry, which does not claim strength through numbers, but through the fibre and moral power of the individual, has withstood the tyranny of kings and popes, and in all countries wherein Masonry prospers, there you will find the greatest individual prosperity and happiness, the greatest cultural progress and the highest standard of living for the greatest number of people.
Let us not rest on our laurels. To make possible the advancement of Masonry from yesterday until today there was required the moral courage of many Masons. They were Masons who were determined that no personal cost was too great to pay for Liberty, Justice and Tolerance. To make possible Masonry of Today there were Masons who suffered reprisals, financial sacrifice, and even death.
While we cannot peer too far into the future, we must remind ourselves that, step, by step, by degrees, we are making Masonry of Tomorrow. We have Divine Assurance that if we do the work of Masonry, if we discharge our sacred obligations, if we hold fast to all that is true, Masonry will be a stronger force tomorrow than today.
Then let us contemplate more and more on the ultimate objective of Masonry- to make of our candidates Master Masons. Let those who are capable of teaching be generous with their talents. Let us never cease to teach. To the patient teacher there will always come the eager pupil.
Let the Worshipful Master and the officers of the lodge bring teacher and student together and there will result a strength that will be reflected in future generations.
The teacher and the pupil inspired and enlightened by the Source of All Wisdom are the Masons who today are creating Masonry’s place in the World of Tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Certified Hawaii, an Associa company, has named Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Honolulu, the beneficiary of its annual golf tournament. This is the 13th consecutive year that Certified Hawaii has generously supported the hospital, and has contributed a cumulative amount of $60,000 to date.

“The generosity and support from our business associates, including regular, ongoing sponsors such as Tropical Roofing and Raingutters, have been phenomenal. In combination with our in-kind support, we’re expected to surpass the $100,000 mark in cumulative contributions after this tournament.”

This year, the golf tournament, which is being coordinated in collaboration with Shriners fraternity members of the Aloha Temple, will be held on Monday, July 25, at Mid-Pacific Country Club in Kailua, with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. A banquet will follow.
“We’re very excited to be able to support Shriners Hospitals for Children once again this year,” said Toni Floerke-Politsch, Chief Executive Officer of Certified Hawaii. “The generosity and support from our business associates, including regular, ongoing sponsors such as Tropical Roofing and Raingutters, have been phenomenal. In combination with our in-kind support, we’re expected to surpass the $100,000 mark in cumulative contributions after this tournament.”
“Certified Hawaii has been a great partner and their management team has consistently provided an amazing depth and breadth of support for the hospital,” said Donald “Zeke” Schmus, a Shriner of the Aloha Temple who serves as the Aloha Temple’s Donor Relations Committee and hospital’s Public Relations Committee. “This year, all proceeds have been earmarked for the Aloha Temple’s transportation fund, which provides financial assistance for eligible patients who come from outside Oahu to receive care at our new hospital.”
For more information about sponsorships and teams, call Reiko Marino at Certified Hawaii at (808) 837-5232. All donations are tax-deductible under IRS Code 170(c)(4).

Monday, July 25, 2011

Mark Dean

By Mark Dean

Siskiyou County —

On the anniversary of 235 years of American independence it should be noted that in this republic our governmental system mirrors that of the Masonic framework of governance by which the Grand Lodges administer the broader scheme of Masonic business affairs within the community of Freemasonry while the smaller independent lodges operate under the bylaws derived from Anderson’s Constitutions. That Masonic manuscript, which standardized the rituals and general practices of Freemasonry, was written by the Rev. James Anderson in 1723 and 1728, which was then re-printed in Philadelphia in 1734 by Benjamin Franklin and distributed throughout the colonies extolling the virtues of Freemasonry. It was widely acclaimed at the time by the American colonists and was the first book on Freemasonry printed in America.
The basic principles of governance employed in Freemasonry then and now include: that the Grand Lodge is the supreme entity in the Masonic federal system – local lodges are self governing and independent – the election of officers is carried out by secret ballot – governance is limited by the Masonic Constitution – the popular sovereignty of representative government and majority rule are fundamental – fiscal responsibility is delegated to the legislative body – a type of judicial review is conducted by the Grand Lodge and freedom of speech is a hallmark of Freemasonry.
It’s well known that many of our nation’s founding fathers, including Benjamin Franklin, were Masons. In fact, the actual number is generally exaggerated and yet, as is often the case in history, one of our nations most notable heroic figures is all but forgotten by Masons and the general public alike. Haym Salomon (1740-1785), a Polish immigrant to America in 1772, was the man that made the American Revolution financially possible. He was also a member of that famous revolutionary group known as the Sons of Liberty and a Mason affiliated with Maryland Lodge No. 2 of New York. Not only was Salomon able to keep the revolution afloat financially, but he served the American Revolutionary cause as a spy and was jailed twice under those charges by the British during their occupation of New York. On the occasion of the second occurrence, when carrying out orders from Gen. George Washington, Salomon was sentenced to hang but was able to bribe a guard with gold pieces he had secretly sewn in his clothes and escaped to Philadelphia, where he eventually became one of the greatest financiers of that city.
During that time Salomon advanced large sums of his own money to the American government to keep the cause of freedom from floundering, for which neither he nor his family after his death received anything in return. Ultimately his decision to join the American Revolution led to his financial destruction but helped us all to win the freedoms we enjoy some 235 years later.
This remarkable man, patriot and Mason, died penniless at the age of 45 in 1785. However, he was recognized posthumously with a U.S. commemorative stamp in 1975 and is depicted in a statue, located in Chicago, Ill., next to Robert Morris as one of the financiers of the American Revolution alongside Gen. Washington. On the back of the stamp, one of only two stamps to have such an honor, it is inscribed with these words: “Businessman and broker Haym Salomon was responsible for raising most of the money needed to finance the American Revolution and later to save the new nation from collapse.”
For more information about Freemasonry, including membership from all walks of life for men 18 years or older who are of a strong character and who believe in a supreme being, please contact Yreka Howard Lodge #37 Master Larry Arkfeld during regular business hours at 842- 4467.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

September 25th El Zaribah Golf Marathon Augusta Ranch G C OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Last year was so much fun and we raised $15,000 for the General Fund. No need to be a good golfer, just be able to play 100 holes in one day (this is not as difficult as it may sound) and in doing so, you simply must be able to raise a minimum of $1,000.00. Anyone can participate, Ladies, Friends, Family, Neighbors, etc. Our total web site from last year is not up and running, but you can see what each of us did by logging on here: http://www.marathoneventmarketing.com/mem_leaderboard.cml?cid=15

Monday, July 18, 2011

Montana's game is the longest running Shrine High School All-Star game in U. S.

The Montana East-West Shrine game, which matches the best high school football players in Big Sky Country against each other, is a tradition that dates back to Aug. 24, 1947. All proceeds of this gridiron classic, which has raised more than $1,000,000 since its inception, are donated to the Spokane Shrine Hospital. The 2010 game alone raised $106,000, according to game chairman Dennis Lindsay.

The longest running Shrine game in the nation began 63 years ago with the “Big Red” of the West defeating the “Golden East” by a score of 33-13. These nicknames from the different sides come from the uniform designs that hold true today. The uniforms are red with gold trim for the West, and gold with red for the boys from the East.

After the first game took place, the coaches urged that the Committee make the contest an annual project. The Committee agreed and the game was incorporated by the late Roger Silvernale, the game's founder and first chairman.

Over six decades later, the East leads the all-time series 35 wins to 26 for the West.

Some prominent figures from the annual match-up's history include Big Ed Kalafat, star for the Minnesota Gophers and later the Lakers pro club, who was a 1950 selection from Anaconda.

Another Anaconda selection, Pat Monno, scored three touchdowns in the 1953 game for 18 points which is the most scored by an individual in the game's history. This mark was later tied by Helena's Bob McCullough in 1958; Billings West's Ken Hustad in 1968; and Jody Farmer of Libby in 1986.

The star of the 1991 game was Dave Dickenson from CMR, who later became an All-American Quarterback for the Montana Grizzlies and an MVP in the Canadian Football League in 2000.

In the 2006 game, another former Griz great, Andrew Selle of Billings West, and Matt Komac from Helena High staged a quarterback duel that tied a game record with 76 combined points scored.

While the East-West game for Montana was the first of its kind with an in-state format, the very first Shrine game dates back to 1925. This was the first of 85 games played (so far) that match-up the best college players in the entire United States against each other every January. The game, to this date, is a very important step for NFL prospects, as the stands are filled with scouts looking to see what gifted players can perform like up against other great players.

The college format Shrine game, which later spawned separate state games, originated from an annual baseball game between two San Francisco fraternities: The Shriners and the Elks. The two groups had played a baseball game for years, with all proceeds going to Shriners Hospital for Children. They decided to switch the sport to football because of its growing popularity at the time. The Shriners proposed the idea and E. Jack Spaulding got the first game organized.

The inaugural game in 1925, which raised $25,000 for the San Francisco Shrine Hospital, was the beginning of a football tradition like no other.

Teen goes from paralysis to soccer MVP

AURORA - A teenager is making moves on the soccer field after being told he would never walk again.
"They told us I was never gonna walk again," said Reyes, a junior at Hinkley High School in Aurora. "That was hard for me."
In April of 2009, Reyes was boating with some friends at Cherry Creek State Park. He dove in head first into a shallow area.
"The first second I dived, I broke my neck and I couldn't move," said Reyes. "I thought I was gonna die. That was the first thing I thought."
He went through six hours of emergency surgery. He remained in a coma for two weeks. But, his mother, Brenda Nataran, said she never lost hope.
"At first, I was scared. But, I believe in God. I have faith in God, that something is going to happen," said Nataran in Spanish with her son interpreting.
Something did happen. His family had no health insurance. They had no money. But, they found The Shriners organization.
For Video go to

The action on the gridiron each summer for the Montana East-West Shrine Game is a big draw for football fans. But it's the philanthropic efforts in fundraising produced by the game that are the main reason the mid-summer event is the longest running prep all-star football game of its kind.
"This week, to me, is all about helping the Shriners and raising some money for them," said Bozeman's Troy Purcell, the head coach for the West squad. "You get to play a great football game with a great group of kids and if you can do that and also raise some money...you are coming together for a great cause and you are coming together for the greatest sport in the nation, in the world. There's nothing better than this week."

Over the past 65 years, more than 3,300 Montana athletes have participated in the annual all-star game. Last year's contest - played in Butte after 63 years of being played at Memorial Stadium in Great Falls - helped raise $102,728 for the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Spokane, Wash. Last year's total was the largest in the history of the Montana game and represented the second-largest donation in the nation in 2010. During the past six-plus decades, the game has raised more than $1 million.

"This game is important; I think maybe the biggest importance in the game though, is in the public awareness it brings, the publicity it brings to the hospitals," said David Bergeson, the president of this year's event which is sponsored by the Al Bedoo Shriners in Billings. "The income is certainly important also. This year, the hospital in Spokane has an older van used to transport patients. We've pledged some of the proceeds from this year's game to help buy a fully equipped, new van."
Bergeson said a new, fully equipped handicapped-capable van costs about $65,000.
The Shriners run 22 hospitals throughout America - 19 orthopedic hospitals and three burn institutes - and the cost to operate the facilities totals $726,000,000, or nearly $2 million a day.
This year's game will be played at the Laurel Sports Complex because Daylis Stadium in Billings is being used for this weekend's Big Sky State Games. After more than six decades at Memorial Stadium, the game will rotate venues in an effort to continue to raise the public's awareness of the Shriners' cause across the Treasure State.
"I think (the game rotating) is a wonderful thing, in fact I was on the vote to put this thing on the road," Bergeson said. "It was at the very least worth a try and we had a very, very good run in Butte. It was considerably more profitable than it was in Great Falls. It looks like we will have another good run in Billings. This year, too, we are doing something different by putting it live on TV state-wide on CBS, which should add another aspect to the exposure."
Purcell will coach five of his former Bozeman High School players during Saturday's game. Tanner Roderick, Heath Hunter, Justin Pierson, Marc Evans and Trevor Shellenberg will all suit up for the West. Roderick and Shellenberg spoke Wednesday of the honor they felt to be selected to the game and the bonding experience they've shared with teammates. The West coach said it was an honor individually to be invited to help out with what he thinks is a great cause.
"To be selected as one of the coaches for this game is a very humbling experience," Purcell said. "The Shriners do a tremendous job with helping people, especially kids, and to be a part of something like that is an honor and a privilege."
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Addison Benson's face was all sunshine and smiles as she joyfully played with her 5-year-old sister, Josie, on the playset in her backyard Wednesday. She clambered up the rock wall, flew down the slide and begged her mother to push her higher on the swing.

Three-year-old Addison is the 2011 poster child for the Al Bedoo Shrine organization and it will be she who throws the opening coin toss for the East-West Shrine Game Saturday at the Laurel Sports Complex.

Considering her cherub-like face and sweet, outgoing personality, it's easy to see why the Al Bedoo Shriners chose Addison to represent their work.

A year ago, July 27, Addison, the daughter of Syd and Andrea Benson of Laurel, was the victim of an unfortunate lawn mower accident that resulted in both legs being amputated below the knee.

Within two days of the accident, the Shriners organization contacted the Bensons with offers of help and has continued to zealously provide support for the family.

“We didn't have to find them, they tracked us down,” said Andrea. There were at least four Shriners who wanted to sponsor Addison.”

In the end, Ken Fichtner took on Addison's sponsorship. He checks on her regularly, brought her a 100-pound pumpkin for Halloween, and invited the family to the Shriners Christmas party and circus.

Other Laurel Shriners have shown acts of kindness as well.

“They have gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said Andrea. “They have been quick, fast and on top of Addison's case.

“It's kind of a partnership,” she said.

The Shriners put the Bensons in contact with Jim Middleton of Billings Prosthetics whom Andrea said has gone the extra mile to insure her daughter's comfort.

Addison proudly displayed the pink and purple Barbie and fairy patterns on her new legs.

“Jim found out what Addison's interests were and bought fabrics from which she could choose to laminate the prosthetics with,” explained Andrea.

Last October the family made the trip to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane and at last Addison was fitted with her prosthetics.

The procedure was delayed for some time because Addison suffered a broken femur in the accident and physicians wanted to wait until the leg could bear weight.

Andrea said the hospital was quick, efficient and family friendly. Rather than a series of appointments spread throughout the day, all healthcare providers involved with Addison's case met in one room at once.

Within weeks of the fitting, Addison was walking.

“Addison does almost everything other children her age do,” said Andrea. “She gets her own toys, climbs into her car seat - I try to allow her to do as many things as possible for herself.”

As this year's poster child, Addison, along with her family, has represented the Shrine organization at several functions. Her photo was on the front on the postcard announcing the Al Bedoo Shrine Circus and standing in center ring she opened the circus with the announcement, “Welcome everybody!”

The Bensons will be heavily involved with this week's Montana East-West Shrine game activities. Addison will ride at the head of the parade. The family will attend pre-game events, and Andrea will speak to the ball players at a banquet.

“I don't like the spotlight,” said Andrea. “This is all out of my comfort zone, but I want to give back. The players should be aware of the cause they are playing for.

“The whole process has been humbling - to think complete strangers would help us, to do whatever it takes. Sometimes it's hard to accept. It's heartwarming to think the Shriners signed on without question for 15 years of Addison's treatment.

“Addison is a success story,” her mother said. “She is proof that something good can come out of a bad situation. I want to get the word out there that there is no limit to the capabilities of children with limb loss.”

“The Shriners have been very instrumental in the progress of Addison's recovery,” said Andrea. “There was much to do to get her going.”

“I don't know where we'd be without them,” she concluded.

For printed copy go to www.laureloutlook.com/articles/2011/07/13/sports/15addi.txt

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Michael G. Severe Elected Imperial Potentate of Shriners International

Thursday, July 7, 2011(DENVER) During the 2011 Imperial Session, held in Denver July 3-7, Michael G. Severe of Erie, Colo., was elected the Imperial Potentate of Shriners International, making him the highest-ranking Shriner in the world. As Imperial Potentate, he serves as President of the Board of Directors for Shriners International and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children®.
Severe was raised a Master Mason at the age of 21, progressed onto the York and Scottish Rites and became a Shriner at the age of 22. He held various officer positions at Glenwood Lodge #65, AF&AM, and was Past Patron of Erica Chapter # 69 – OES. At El Jebel Shriners in Denver, Severe belonged to the Scooter and Motorcycle Units and became president of his unit in 1989. In 1990, he was appointed Outer Guard, and became Potentate of El Jebel Shriners in 1999. During the 1999-2000 Imperial Year, Severe served on the Imperial Strategic Planning and Imperial Fleming-Florence Committees. He has also served as Chairman of the Public Relations Committee.
Severe is a management consultant in the manufacturing sector. He was a manager of IS at Auto-trol Technology Corporation, division manager for Adolph Coors Company, CTO for EG&G/Kaiser-Hill and Corporate Management Consultant for Titanium Metals Corporation. Severe received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management information science from the University of Northern Colorado.
Severe’s wife, Patty, is employed by St. Joseph Hospital. He has two children, Joe who works as a logger in Idaho, and Lauren who is attending the University of Northern Colorado as an English major; Patty has two grown children, Aaron and Amanda; and two grandchildren, Sydney and Derek.
About Shriners International
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. There are approximately 325,000 members throughout the world.